This guide summarizes evidence comparing the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and corticosteroids used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It does not address other drugs that are no longer commonly used as first-line treatment for RA, such as azathioprine, chloroquine, cyclosporine, gold, and penicillamine. It also does not discuss analgesics, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids.